Air Bag Safety
In 1998, an estimated 4,759 motor vehicle occupants' lives were
saved because of deployment of air bags during a vehicle crash. Air
bags and correct seat belt use together are 75 percent effective in
preventing serious head injuries and 66 percent effective in preventing
serious chest injuries. While air bags were responsible for the deaths
of many children when they first began being used, the rate of death
for children caused by air bags has sharply decreased over the past
five years due to increased awareness concerning children and air
bags.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Bags
I have read that air bags have killed many children.
Have they been made safer for children?
Air bags are still dangerous to children if children are sitting
in the front seat of a car equipped with an air bag, are unrestrained,
or are in a rear facing child seat in the front seat. The message
that is coming out loud and clear from the NHTSA is that ALL children
are safer in the back seat properly restrained.
How can I protect my child from being injured
by an air bag?
NHTSA has published pamphlets concerning this issue. Remember three
major things: Always have children restrained properly, never put
a rear facing child seat in the front seat of a car with an air bag,
and remember that all children are safer in the back seat.
How can adults ride safely with air bags?
There should at least be 10 inches between the driver's breastbone
and the center of the steering wheel. It is also advised to tilt your
seat back slightly. The passenger should be at least 10 inches from
the dashboard of the car. Both should be wearing seat belts properly.
What are air bag on-off switches?
These switches can be installed and enable the dealer or repair shop
to turn off the air bag deployment device in special circumstances
if the owner or buyer of the vehicle has an authorization letter from
the NHTSA. The dealer does not have to honor the authorization letter,
so be sure to do business with a dealer that will honor the letter.
What special circumstances qualify to have an
air bag turned off?
You can apply to the NHTSA to have an air bag on-off switch installed
for a variety of reasons. The NHTSA has published a bulletin concerning
special circumstances that qualify for installation of on-off switches.
CLICK
HERE
Where can I find more information about air bag
safety?
The NHTSA has a comprehensive site that is full of useful information.
CLICK
HERE
Click on the following link for information concerning where you
can get an on-off switch installed, a list of manufacturers that already
have installed on-off switches, a database of vehicles with disconnected
air bags, and an on-off switch request form. CLICK
HERE
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